How To Outsmart Your Boss In Patio Doors Repairs
Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding glass patio doors provide natural light and boost your home's energy efficiency. However, over time they can show signs of wear and tear that will require some maintenance.
Fortunately, the majority of problems with sliding patio doors are fairly simple to fix. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio door repairs near me patio doors looking like new.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
One of the most frequent causes of sliding patio doors that don't open is clogged or dirty tracks. Over time, dirt and grime from everyday usage can accumulate on the track. This can cause the door jam or to break down completely.
This buildup can be reduced by incorporating regular light cleaning of sliding patio door repair near me doors and tracks in your routine chores. Start by brushing or vacuuming any big debris from the tracks and then wiping them down with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner, such as dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help remove stubborn dirt and grease stains.
If you find that your sliding door doesn't move smoothly after completing these steps, it may be the sign of more severe damage that requires professional repair or replacement. There are a few basic fixes you can do before calling in professionals to avoid expensive repairs or replacements.
Place a mat under your sliding doors. This will help to catch dirt before it gets to the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and bushes that are near the sliding door to decrease the amount of debris that is tracked into the tracks. Make sure to close the door in a way that it doesn't slam into the tracks and damage the wheels and rollers. You can extend the life of your doors by keeping them clean and lubricated.
Rollers that are not aligned
Sometimes it happens that a sliding patio door becomes unbalanced or becomes stuck. It is usually due to obstructions or dirt that can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due bent track or a bent roller. In this case it is possible to realign the roller by extracting them using their adjustment screws and cleaning them with ruby alcohol. Be careful, as these parts are fragile.
If your doors still stick and stick, you can try using lubricants on the rollers to reduce friction and make it easier for them to slide. Choose a silicone-based lubricant, since petroleum-based lubricants tend to attract dirt faster. It is essential to clean the rollers and tracks before applying lubricant.
Once you've cleaned the rollers, you are able to reinstall them using the screws for adjustment. It's recommended to apply the same lubricant that you used when cleaning them. Make sure you push the rollers completely in their channels when reinstalling them. Then, you can test your door to determine whether it is now sliding smoothly.
If the issue persists, it is possible to remove the door and examine the rollers and tracks. If the tracks or wheels are bent in a way, you may need to replace them. It is recommended to hire a professional to install the rollers or tracks in this case.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass door are great for bringing the outdoors into your home and letting natural light in, but they may also be vulnerable to damage that needs repair or replacement. Warping, cracking, and fading are some of the most frequently encountered issues. The materials that make up the sliding glass patio doors begin to break down when exposed sunlight, heat and other environmental factors. Cracking is often caused by impact damage such as a lawnmower or ball smacking into the door. Fading typically occurs due to repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that are hard to open and close, this could be a sign that the tracks and rollers do not work properly. This could be due to the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the track, wheels that are not aligned or an absence of lubrication. This issue can be fixed by regularly cleaning the tracks, rollers and removing obstructions.
Another reason that sliding patio doors might be difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism has gone out of date. This could be caused by an issue with alignment or wear and tear but the solution is to adjust the locking mechanism by using the adjustment screws located in the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks that occur around your sliding patio doors are a common issue that can significantly decrease their energy efficiency. These problems are usually caused by weather stripping that has worn out or poor alignment of the door. This issue can be fixed easily by replacing the weather stripping and re-aligning your doors.
Loose Handle
If the handle of a sliding doors becomes loose, it can be quite frustrating and cause it difficult for people to open the door. This problem is caused by an incorrectly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws holding it in place.
A loose handle could result from the handle becoming detached from the spindle that connects it to the inside or exterior handles. This is usually the result of a mix of factors, such as excessive use or wear and tear or simply the general aging. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, the handle may be loosened and fall off.
To resolve this issue to fix it, you must first locate the screws that connect the handles' exterior and interior. The screws are typically hidden behind tabs made of plastic that can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver, in some cases) screwdriver. It's a good idea to store these screws somewhere safe so that you don't lose them.
Once the handles that were previously used have been removed the next step is to remove the spindle that is loose. This can be done by pounding the ends of the spindle with a hammer until it is removed from its position inside the door. The new handle can be installed by simply putting the spindle into the hole on the interior handle and then putting the other end of the spindle into the hole on the exterior handle. Once the handle has been installed, tighten it by screwing back the screws, and then check to ensure that the lock and unlock mechanism is working correctly.
Weatherstripping that isn't working properly
Weatherstripping that's cracked or worn can let air and water be able to seep into your patio door, which can compromise your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to letting in moisture, it could create drafts and also increase your cooling or heating costs. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is an easy fix that doesn't require any assistance from a professional. You can take off the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples using the help of a screwdriver or by gently prying it off with the help of a putty blade, and then taking it off the door. You can then clean the area and apply a layer of weatherstripping which is backed with a foam seal. This will prevent leaks and enhance the comfort.
If your sliding patio glass repair near me door is not functioning as it should, you need to fix the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that they are functional for years to be. Depending on the degree of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement could be the best option.
Most sliding patio door problems are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, or an untidy handle. In most cases, these issues can be resolved by regular maintenance and cleaning, including oiling the track, adjusting the rollers and tightening the hardware. If these steps don't work, it's best consult a professional for advice to make sure that your patio door is working exactly as it should. Before you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make sure to check its warranty information to ensure that it is covered by the manufacturer's warranty. This can save you money on repairs or replacements in the near future.